Serviceman, home from Iraq, dies on U.S. 22

Published: January 26, 2004 7:00 PM

CADIZ A local serviceman who survived a tour in Iraq died Monday along side his fianc in a two-car accident on U.S. 22 while home on leave from his unit, the 1485th Transportation Company out of Steubenville.

Luke C. Mallernee, 21, Cadiz, and Kim Bishop, 19, Freeport, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on U.S. 22 nine miles west of the city.

The driver of the second vehicle, identified as Roger L. Morris, 40, Piedmont, was transported to Harrison Community Hospital, where he was treated and released.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported icy road conditions and excessive speed contributed to the accident, which was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. The patrol described road conditions at the time as wet and slush covered in places.

According to reports, Mallernee was driving an Acura Integra west on U.S. 22 when the car slid on the roadway and went left-of-center, where it was struck by an eastbound truck driven by Morris.

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Heavy damage was reported to both vehicles.

Mallernee and Bishop, as well as Morris, were wearing safety belts.

Mallernee had reportedly just returned home on leave prior to Mondays accident.

The 1485th Transportation Co., which includes reserve units in Coshocton and Dover, was mobilized on Feb. 11 and reported to Fort Lee, Va. The unit deployed to Kuwait, arriving on April 25.

The unit later redeployed to a location north of Baghdad, Iraq.

Family members have said the couple were always together prior to Mallernee deploying to Iraq, and upon his return. Funeral arrangements are pending.